At the time, the city told us they couldn't divulge what we asked for — "any contract, agreement, memorandum of understanding, engagement letter, etc" with the law firm — because such a disclosure would violate the confidentiality between attorney and client.

"A privileged communication between attorney and client is exempt from public inspection because it is declared confidential by statute and Supreme Court rule," the city said, citing judicial rulings.

We tried again last week when city-paid claims showed that the law firm had again been paid — although this time, only $832.50, a small amount for a legal fee.

Clark Quinn has several areas of expertise, to be sure, but one of them is "hospitality and alcoholic beverage law," according to the Clark Quinn website.

The law firm can locate and obtain new alcoholic beverage or liquor permits, licenses and certificates" as well as "creating municipal riverfront and lakefront districts for municipalities."

Tyler's centerpiece project right now is a $70-million-plus White River Canal District redevelopment downtown along White River.

The city pay claim that was attached to the Clark Quinn payment read, specifically, "Sustainable Muncie Corp — ATC matters."

Sustainable Muncie is the private entity that owns Madjax, the downtown makers hub that is now in line for a $4.5 million loan from the city since a lawsuit challenging the city's plans has been dismissed. (Among the tenants at Madjax is a brewing company.)

And ATC could stand for any number of things, but for a firm with specialties that include obtaining alcoholic beverages, ATC sure could stand for Alcohol & Tobacco Commission, the name of the state agency that oversees liquor licensing in Indiana.

We'll let you know if the city decides to be forthcoming with any details.

Another lawsuit targets jail

Yet another inmate has filed a lawsuit against the Delaware County jail.

In litigation filed Thursday in Delaware Circuit Court 2, Michael A. Wright contends living conditions in the jail are unsafe, “cruel and unsanitary,” and says prisoners assigned to sleeping pods, rather than cells, have no way to secure their personal belongings.

In the handwritten document – listed as both a lawsuit and a tort claim, which is usually the first step in suing a governmental entity – Wright also cites “mental anguish” and civil rights violations.

“Commissary prices are much too high,” he adds.

Wright – who observed his 66th birthday Friday– has been in the jail since early June, awaiting trial, in separate cases, on counts of battery with a deadly weapon, domestic battery, invasion of privacy and theft.

The Muncie man, who has been booked into the jail more than 40 times, has a history of robbery-related convictions. At a 1993 sentencing hearing, he reported he had earlier been a bodyguard for entertainers including Gladys Knight & the Pips, the Temptations and Rick James.

Two other prisoners this summer have filed lawsuits over conditions in the jail this summer. One of those suits has since been dropped.

The Purple One

Kevin Nemyer is a man of many identities. Formerly a member of Delaware County Council, Nemyer is now Muncie City Controller.

He's also apparently a pop culture fan.

At most meetings of the Muncie Board of Works and Public Safety, Nemyer, before presenting claims to be approved by the board, identifies himself as "Kevin Nemyer, city controller, master of coin." It's a reference to the popular TV show "Game of Thrones."

At the start of Wednesday's meeting, he said, "Kevin Nemyer, city controller, master of coin, the artist formerly known as Prince."